Lacrosse Nationals look to silence Cannons

The Hamilton Nationals can clinch a playoff berth on Saturday (July 27) with a win over the Boston Cannons.

The Nationals have had a great Major League Lacrosse season, breaking several team records while compiling a record of 8-3 that has Hamilton sitting in second place in the eight-team loop. Denver tops the circuit with an unblemished 11-0 mark. The Nationals started off their season 5-0 before falling to Denver on the road.

In their last outing on July 20, the Nationals took on the Ohio Machine at home. With the thrilling 13-12 win they broke the team record for most wins in a season. The previous mark of seven was set in 2009 and 2011. In 2009 the Nationals went on to win the championship, while in 2011 they fell short by just one point in the finals.

This Saturday they have a chance to secure a playoff spot for Championship Weekend in Philadelphia on Aug. 24 but the fifth-placed Cannons can’t be taken lightly. While they are coming off a loss, the Cannons have won four of their past five games. The Nationals are on a two-game win streak.

In their only other meeting this season, on May 4, Hamilton kicked off its schedule with a 15-8 road win over the Cannons. Boston’s Paul Rabil had a five-point game to lead the Cannons but he was over-shadowed by the Kevin Crowley who collected seven points for the Nationals.